Isak's fitness central to Iraola's Liverpool before Arsenal visit

Alexander Isak's fitness has become central to Liverpool's hopes in the Premier League, with the striker scoring in every one of their league wins before Sunday's meeting with Arsenal. Only Victor Munoz among his team-mates has scored more than once in the top flight this season, according to Sky Sports.

Isak has six goals in seven league outings, leaving him one behind Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring chart. Head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports in September: "He's a massive player for us." Iraola added that his disagreements with the forward concern how he can help the team in every situation.

Former defender Jamie Carragher argued that Isak matters so much because Liverpool are not currently a prolific side. Cover is thin, with fellow striker Hugo Ekitike still recovering from a long-term Achilles injury and not expected back until next year.

Iraola often withdraws Isak late in games for Lewis Koumas, a pattern that has grown since a thigh problem picked up with Sweden kept him out of the home defeat by Man City. Last season, the striker's debut campaign on Merseyside was disrupted by abductor pain and a long absence after a leg fracture at Tottenham.

The visitors arrive second in the table, while NextGOAL's power score (pPS) rates Liverpool at 52.5 against Arsenal's 45. Arsenal, who were interested in signing Isak in January 2025, will be without William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, both listed as sidelined by SportMonks. Kick-off is at 23:30 Thai time on Sunday.